The Republic of Ireland assistant boss thinks David Moyes should be given time at Old Trafford having walked into a job where corners have been cut

Corners: Sir Alex Ferguson's failure to strengthen has caught up with David Moyes says Keane

Roy Keane has continued his war of words with Sir Alex Ferguson by claiming Manchester United boss David Moyes needs five or six players to make the Red Devils a credible force again.

Former United skipper Keane, who fell out with Ferguson when he left Old Trafford under a cloud in 2005, suggested Moyes had been left a squad that was in dire need of attention and the new boss faced a major rebuilding job.

Keane, 42, claimed United had cut corners on transfers in recent seasons but insisted Moyes was the right man for the job and said he needed time to turn things around.

Keane, speaking to ITV, said: "I think Man United need five or six players. If it happens in the summer then instead of being fearful of it, embrace it - it’s exciting.

"These can be exciting times for Man United. Get them back to the very top where they belong.

"They’ve kind of cut corners in terms of transfers in the last few years, they’ve not gone out and got the big players, and it’s just caught up with them this year."

On Moyes, Keane said: "I think the man deserves plenty of time. I think people have been afraid to use the word that there might be 'rebuilding' going on but that's exactly the word I would use."

Roy Keane will be appearing as a pundit on ITV's live Champions League coverage.